|
CITIZENS’ MAIL
Most criminal activities are committed by army deserters. Newspapers
publish many stories about murders, robberies and rapes. The government
has been giving several amnesties for them to surrender but the
responses were not satisfactory.
It is high time the public co-operate with the government to nab
these absconders as they are committing various heinous crimes. The
government should make aware to the public about the nefarious actions
of deserters and request them to provide information of their
whereabouts to arrest them without allowing them to go scot-free.
The Army deserters who are living in our areas may appear innocent to
us yet they are dangerous characters executing atrocious criminal
activities out of our areas. In such executions the victims may be our
friends and relations and we have to be in tears forever.
Therefore, with the good intention of protecting themselves and
others citizens should inform the government or the Army headquarters of
such army deserters residing in their areas.
Nazly Cassim Colombo 13
A few days prior to the last Presidential Election several sections
of A1 road between Kadawatha and Nittambuwa were asphalted, leaving
abrupt ends with dangerous level differences on running lanes. There
after a year later asphalting has started again, probably to complete
the gaps not done during the Presidential Election.
Though this asphalting should be done as an overlay to existing
pavement, to cover the existing carriageway width, at present laying is
being done beyond the pavement width, i.e. over the shoulders too, which
is just the disturbed natural soil. My concern is who has authorized to
lay asphalt over just soil, without building up a pavement foundation?
Asphalting is a very expensive treatment, and laying process needs
careful control of quality, the laying temperature, thickness, degree of
compaction both laid asphalt and that of base etc. Who is responsible
over the quality checks of these ongoing works along A1 road?
On the other hand because asphalting is done covering parts of
shoulder, no space is left out for pedestrians, the most vulnerable road
users, and now drivers negotiate the whole asphalted width, the way they
prefer, creating a highly hazardous mobility for the poor pedestrians.
It is high time; the Highways and Ports Ministry Secretary immediately
looks into these practices.
A concerned citizen
Recently I read in the print media that the trishaw drivers are
protesting against the installation of the Nano Cab Service in Colombo,
and the President had promised to look into their grievances.
The reality is that trishaw drivers all over the island are fleecing
the public at their own free will. Why don’t they install fare metres in
their three wheelers?
Installation of fare metres should be made mandatory. It will be a
God send for the suffering members of the public. Let justice be meted
out to all concerned inclusive of users of trishaws. The powers that be
should not turn a blind eye to the grievances of the masses, especially
the elderly folk who are compelled to avoid public transport due to
infirmity caused by senile debility. After all, installation of fare
metres would ensure a fair deal for both parties, the owner and the
commuter.
Nanda Nanayakkara Matara
Beggars have invaded the city and they roam all over the city,
specially at colour light signals, buses, trains, railway stations,
shopping malls, bus halts, markets, beaches etc. Some time ago beggars
were sent to Ridigama rehabilitation centre, and I wonder whether
rehabilitating the beggars are still in operation. Some of the beggars
are occupying bus halts as their permanent living place, and causing
inconvenience to commuters. Beggars are also part of the community and
circumstances have made them to beg. It is the responsibility of the
government to integrate beggars into the community and take measures to
give them vocational training in many trades, so that they could be self
employed.
Karalasingam Sivalingam Nugegoda
Much has been written in the Print Media on this heart burning
subject to some. There are some to whom an early solution is vital for
their very existence including their children. The country of their
birth will gain immensely if a speedy solution is found to this problem.
Some possess qualifications not only uncommon, but of world - class.
They are languishing in hope not wishing to die in despair.
In any issue unpopular decisions have to be taken. That is to be
expected.
An affected senior citizen
|
